Janusz Zurakowski (12 September 1909 – 9 February 2004) was a renowned Polish fighter and test pilot, who, at various times, lived and worked in Poland, the United Kingdom, and Canada. He piloted the first Avro Arrow on it's maiden flight on March 25, 1958.

His adopted hometown built Zurakowski Park in 2003, recognizing his contributions to the community, as well as the world. Following a lingering battle with leukemia, Zurakowski died at Kartuzy Lodge on 9 February 2004.

This small park features signs commemorating the first flight of the Avro Arrow, a statue of pilot Janusz Zurakowski, and has a replica of the aircraft on display. There are benches to sit on, and a shaded gazebo where you can sit to enjoy the views.

After four years of work by 14000 people, the first Avro Arrow was wheeled out onto the runway. Canada's first supersonic fighter plane makes its triumphant first flight.

A replica plane, marked RL 201 is on display in Zurakowski park in Barry's Bay, along with information about Janusz Zurakowski on the information panels.

The Arrow's maiden flight

At 9:52 a.m. on March 25, 1958, Arrow RL-201 roars into the skies above Malton for the Avro Arrow's first test flight. Three kilometres below, all non-essential Avro staff pour out of the plant to watch their plane circle overhead. Some 35 minutes later, the Arrow touches down and comes to a halt, braking parachutes trailing behind. Test pilot Janusz Zurakowski, from Barry's Bay Ontario, who is given a hero's welcome, complains only that the cockpit has no clock.